Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I am highly conscious of that point and the Department is trying to keep costs and fees to a minimum. It certainly has been conscious of that when putting together the legislation. In addition, there has been a considerable amount of consultation with the IFA in particular but with other farming bodies as well. As Members are aware, they are extremely proactive in trying to reduce costs, fees and levies. I was conscious of this when putting together the legislation. There are some parts of the Bill, not necessarily in this section, in which provision is made for the Minister to introduce new fees or charges. However, it would be necessary for this to take place in consultation with stakeholders, and I assure Members that the Department would be slow to do this. I do not envisage an increase in the cost of farming as a result of what is being done in this Bill.